Armor movement pathing?

Panzer Command: Ostfront is the latest in a new series of 3D turn-based tactical wargames which include single battles, multi-battle operations and full war campaigns with realistic units, tactics and terrain and an informative and practical interface. Including a full Map Editor, 60+ Scenarios, 10 Campaigns and a very long list of improvements, this is the ultimate Panzer Command release for the Eastern Front!

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kfmiller41
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Armor movement pathing?

Post by kfmiller41 »

I have to ask as it is really frustrating me. It seems to me that whenever vehicles have to move around either terrain or other vehicles the paths they take are really terrible. In some instances I can see it being my fault for trying to get a unit thru a tight space between 2 other vehicles and misjudging the room available. But when it happens I have had tanks and half tracks basically get stuck and do nothing but go back and forth for the full turn. It also happens when vehicles are going around terrain and cross paths. They will really get confused and turn around in full circles even when there is incoming fire? It is very frustrating because you cannot use multiple way-points to prevent it. Is it just me or are other experiencing this as well? And is there any way to prevent it besides making sure vehicles never get to close to each other.

Otherwise I am having alot of fun with the game[:D]
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junk2drive
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RE: Armor movement pathing?

Post by junk2drive »

The pathing was worked on quite a bit and programming believable movement isn't easy and requires some compromise.

The final decision was to have the vehicles pause when they run into another vehicle to see if the other vehicle clears the area.

That said, you need to maintain spacing with your vehicles. Also there are obstacles and impassable terrain that you cannot see unless you press the 5 key. Then using your LOS tool, move the end of the line around all those funny colors. The text will show you what the terrain is.

Try to make movement plots that go around these instead of squeezing through them. Also some terrain slows movement like mud and trees. Going from clear to trees may cause the first vehicle to slow down and the second may bump into it cause a chain reaction behind.

Edit you can adjust individual waypoints after first setting your Command platoon unit.
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junk2drive
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RE: Armor movement pathing?

Post by junk2drive »

Just to make sure you know how to do waypoints, give the CO platoon a Engage>Move order with the M key, but first press and hold the ctrl key. While holding the ctrl key, run the blue line out a ways and click the map, run some more and click the map, run some more and release the ctrl key and click the map to end the movement. You have just set two waypoints and a final destination.
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z1812
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RE: Armor movement pathing?

Post by z1812 »

I have encountered the same problems. Fortunately it is a rare occurrence in my games.
As JD says it is good to have a bit of space between your units.
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kfmiller41
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RE: Armor movement pathing?

Post by kfmiller41 »

Thanks for your quick replies, I thought maybe it was part me not being careful enough with my movements and will try what you suggested. [&o]
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RE: Armor movement pathing?

Post by Mobius »

If your tanks get blocked by something like a tank being KO'd in their path while their platoon is moving between hard obstructions you can use the Reaction phase to withdraw them (back them up) a bit. So you can get a clear go at re-routing the next Orders phase.
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